Ben called Jack, �Hey, we�re almost there. Let the guard know my name so we can just come through.�
Ben, his girlfriend Katie and Maleeyah were going to a BBQ at Derek�s house. �Ok, get your lipstick and mascara out girls. I know you want to look hot for all the pro athletes.� Ben kidded.
�Shut up Ben.� Katie laughed.
Maleeyah sat in the back looking at the familiar path to Derek�s neighborhood.
**
�Hi.� As soon as she saw him she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a hug.
They held onto each other, her arm around his shoulder his arm around her waist. She was an affectionate person, she loved to hug.
�Derek, this is Katie. Katie, this is Derek.� They waved and Derek ushered them through the house. By that time she had parted from him, and they followed him to the back where there were more people than she imagined there would be.
Ben and Katie walked over to Jack. Katie had said on more than one occasion that she was nervous about meeting the first member of Ben�s family. Maleeyah couldn�t blame her, the family thing wasn�t her idea of fun times either.
�Ok, there are far too many people for me to introduce all at once but I�ll get you started.� She nodded and they stopped at a table complete with Gary Sheffield. Oh how she wished he was still with Atlanta.
�Everyone, I want you to meet my friend Maleeyah. She goes to school with Ben.� He pointed around the table, �That�s Jorge, Alex, his wife Cynthia, Gerald and I�m sure you know Gary.� He laughed at her and she rolled her eyes.
�Hi everybody.�
Gary smiled at her, �Do I know you?�
She shook her head, �No, I�m a Braves fan. He�s just rubbing it in that you're a Yankee now.�
They smiled and she smiled in return, feeling a little uncomfortable. She was sure they were probably giving her the once over.
He led her by the hand, �Come on, there are a couple of other people. And here are a couple you know.�
�Tino, Laura and Tony this is my friend Maleeyah. And of course you know Jack and Sean.�
There were kids everywhere, music playing and everyone seemed to be having a good time.
**
She had spent most of her time hanging near Derek.
�Jeet, let�s go, spades man.�
�You want to come and watch me. You can be my little cheerleader.�
He had been teasing her about her skirt the entire time.
�What's wrong with my skirt?�
�Nothing, you look good in it. Shows off your legs.�
She followed him to the table, �Why do I have to be your cheerleader? Why can�t you be mine?�
He looked at her comically, �You know how to play spades?�
�I could beat you and anyone on your best day.�
That was pushing it but she was good at spades.
�Hey Gary, you mind playing a few hands with Maleeyah. She seems to think she can kick my ass at spades.�
Sean laughed, �No one beats me and D at spades.�
�Sit down little lady.� Gary said. She sat down across from him with Derek on her right and Sean on her left.
The cards were dealt with Sean and Derek overconfident in their hands. Sean threw out an ace of clubs, Gary threw out, followed by Derek and then Maleeyah. Before she threw out her card Derek was busy claiming the book.
�Oh, are you practicing a little table courtesy with my book?�
The look on his face made her laugh, �Go ahead, I don�t mind. That�s nice of you.�
Gary laughed, �That�s my partner.�
Derek placed the book in front of her and gave her a menacing look. Two more books were thrown out before she cut a sure book for Sean.
�I�m sorry, were you counting that?�
He and Derek mumbled under their breath.
�Looks like someone is set.�
She smiled at Derek and shrugged, �Sis boom bah baby.�
Derek stared down at his cards, shaking his head, �Ah hell no.�
Sean muttered, �I can�t believe I�m getting trash talked in spades by a girl.�
049 | No Ordinary Girl